Here is an excerpt from BACKSTAGE (November 17, 2010). The article is by Diep Tran.

“What Would Jesus Do?” was the question of the night at the 38th Annual Vivian Robinson-Audelco Recognition Awards for Excellence in Black Theatre.

“Jesus,” a play about HIV/AIDS written by Yvette Heyliger, took home seven awards, including dramatic production of the year. Close behind it was “Langston in Harlem,” receiving four awards, including musical production of the year.

The event took place at the Harlem Stage Aaron Davis Hall on Monday night. The ceremony began at 7:30 p.m. with an opening performance of “We Are Family” by Impact Repertory Theatre, in accordance with the evening’s theme.

Toni Deniece Seawright, a cast member of “What Would Jesus Do,” who also led the cast performance of the lead song from the play, felt the evening helped spread Heyliger’s message about HIV/AIDS awareness.

“I am so excited for Yvette, she’s been trying so hard to get our message across to the masses…I think tonight she accomplished that,” she said. “Now, she can put that show up anywhere she wants to and people will take notice of it.”

Thadius Daniels, a member of the Black Gents of Hollywood, who also won an Outstanding Pioneer Award, felt the evening was significant for its emphasis on black theater and on dialogue.

“[The Adelco Awards are] significant because it gives us a chance to honor what we do,” he said. “To have something to say is very important…and we have to continue to tell our stories and have venues to tell our stories and the Adelco Awards…is a continuation of honoring that tradition.”

List of awards and their recipients (Edited) :

Set Design –Patrice Davidson for “What Would Jesus Do?”

Playwright – Yvette Heyliger for “What Would Jesus Do?”

Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Production – Jamil A.C. Mangan for “What Would Jesus Do?”

Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Production – Johnnie Mae for “What Would Jesus Do?”